Camping in Croatia
Croatia is one of Europe’s premier camping destinations, and the numbers speak for themselves — there are around 500 campsites across the country, and millions of camping enthusiasts visit each year. It’s easy to see why: Croatia offers an almost perfect combination of clear Adriatic waters, pine-shaded beaches, well-preserved nature, and reliable Mediterranean sunshine.
The climate is mild, making Croatia ideal for camping from spring through to autumn. The Mediterranean conditions, beautiful landscapes, and good local cuisine make a campsite holiday an experience that’s hard to forget. Most sites open from April through to October, with a handful open year-round.
Naturism
Croatia has one of the longest naturist traditions in Europe, and this is well reflected in its camping offer. From naturist FKK campsites to family-oriented resorts and luxury glamping, Croatia covers all bases. Dedicated naturist sites are found throughout Istria, the Kvarner islands, and Dalmatia, and many standard campsites also have designated naturist areas or beaches.
Facilities — much more than a tent and a field
Modern camping in Croatia has little in common with the image of a muddy field and a gas lantern. Campsites today are much more elaborate — offering mobile homes, chalets, bungalows, and glamping, which combines luxurious amenities and beautiful décor with the peace of living close to nature.
Sanitary facilities across Croatian campsites meet European standards, with hot showers included, baby-changing areas, disabled-accessible facilities, and at many sites, dedicated washing stations for pets. Most larger sites have supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and sports facilities on-site, and Wi-Fi is now standard across all categories.
For families, Croatia’s campsites are particularly well set up — many offer excellent water quality on beautiful beaches, Roman historical sites to explore nearby, and a wide range of leisure activities for all ages, from water sports and sailing to hiking and cycling.
Glamping
A growing trend in Croatia is glamping — and the country has embraced it enthusiastically. Options range from glamping tents with jacuzzis and gourmet Istrian restaurants to lake houses beside Plitvice Lakes and treehouse stays in the mountains. It’s a great option for those who want the natural setting without sacrificing comfort.
Not just the coast
While most campsites are on or near the Adriatic, Croatia also has excellent inland options. Plitvice Holiday Resort, close to the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park, combines pools, mobile homes, Indian camping tents, and lake houses with access to some of Croatia’s most spectacular natural scenery — ideal for those who want hiking and waterfalls alongside their camping holiday.
Best Croatian campsites 2026
The following consistently rank among Croatia’s highest-rated sites:
- Lanterna Premium Camping Resort (Tar, Istria) — one of Croatia’s most awarded large resorts, with a waterpark, wide beach, and extensive accommodation options
- Zaton Holiday Resort (near Zadar, Dalmatia) — widely considered one of Croatia’s most celebrated campsites, with a long beach and extensive facilities
- Camping Park Umag (Umag, Istria) — a large four-star resort with pools, sports, and direct sea access
- Valamar Camping Krk (Krk Island) — a five-star site with sea views, pools, and a lively entertainment programme
- Camping Village Šimuni (Pag Island) — family-oriented with six beaches, close to four national parks
- Valalta Naturist Camp (Rovinj, Istria) — one of Europe’s best-known and largest naturist campsites
- Santa Marina Boutique Camping (Vabriga, Istria) — the first five-star rated campsite in Istria, with glamping tents and mobile homes with jacuzzis
- Camping Stobreč Split (Split) — well-placed for exploring the Dalmatian coast and the city of Split
- Bunculuka Camping Resort (Krk Island) — a naturist site popular with couples, with peaceful surroundings and a beautiful beach Plitvice Holiday Resort (Lika) — the top inland option, perfectly placed for Plitvice Lakes National Park
Many campsites are also close to Croatia’s rich cultural heritage — the historic old towns of Dubrovnik, Split, Poreč, Pula, and Trogir are all within easy reach of major camping areas, and seven Croatian sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
